Toxic Meat Still on the Market in Eastern Switzerland Despite PFAS Concerns
Meat with harmful levels of PFAS chemicals is still being sold in eastern Switzerland, as authorities argue existing safety measures are enough despite health concerns.
What’s Happening?
Contaminated meat from farms in the Eggersrieter Höhe region of St. Gallen is still available for sale. These farms were found to have elevated levels of PFAS, a group of long-lasting industrial chemicals known as “forever chemicals.”
PFAS has been linked to health risks, yet no sales ban is currently in place.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used in various products, from cookware to clothing.
They don’t break down easily and can build up in soil, water, and living organisms.
Long-term exposure has been associated with liver, kidney, and thyroid damage.
Why Is This a Concern?
Tests last year showed high PFAS levels in:
Meat from cows and cattle
Soil and spring water around the farms
Experts warn that even if there's no immediate health risk, continued consumption could lead to serious problems over time.
What Are Authorities Doing?
St. Gallen officials say:
Farms must take containment actions and communicate them.
Meat from individual animals with high PFAS can’t be used to judge the whole herd.
As long as farms cooperate, they can keep selling meat from other animals.
The federal government hasn’t yet set clear rules for PFAS in food. Without national limits, cantons like St. Gallen are acting independently.
What Do Scientists and Lawmakers Say?
A researcher from ETH Zurich warned of serious health risks from PFAS in food.
Members of St. Gallen’s cantonal parliament submitted motions calling for more oversight.
National politicians are also taking notice, with a motion now before the Swiss Senate.
What's Next?
Despite rising concern, there’s still no immediate plan to ban the sale of affected meat. Some politicians want contaminated meat to be mixed with clean meat to reduce overall levels.
That idea, however, may raise more questions than it answers.
Bottom line:
PFAS-contaminated meat is still on the shelves in St. Gallen. While some steps are being taken, there’s no ban, no strict federal rule—and no clear sign of when that might change.